Here are your Bush Whacker 2 Player Council members! Over the next little while, they will participate in quarterly meetings with us at Codename Entertainment to give us meaningful feedback on different areas of the game and their thoughts on potential upcoming features.

From Facebook:

Susan Martin (returning)

Jason Leslie (returning)

Dylan Jay Smith (returning)

Elizabeth Brown (new)

Russel Denton (new)

From Big Fish Games

Thaliamin (returning)

azzazzellice (returning)

jkkahn (new)

DuckandLion (new)

Chevalis (new)

Belladraco (new)

From Kongregate

Pile2209 (returning)

TsukasaWM (returning)

eabbrown (new)

Sbanshee (new)

From Armor Games

Dovahkiin117_2nd (returning)

Oglethorpe1983 (new)

We appreciate their willingness to join and their passion and knowledge of Bush Whacker 2.

You are amazing. No, really. Every one of our players is awesome. That awesomeness has lead to one awesome player nominating another awesome player for this month's player interview.
Zodi is a Crusaders player who has created one of the most popular fan-created resources for other fans since the launch of the game: Zodi's COTLI Spreadsheet.
In Zodi's own words, "This spreadsheet is specifically meant as an on-line resource for COTLI players to learn about the game and crusaders they have or want to collect." It's a free Google spreadsheet available to anyone who wants a little more help in getting the most out of the game.
We spoke with Zodi to find out more about this labour of love. Please tell us about yourself (name, background, location) that you're comfortable sharing.
My username is ZodiPhd, I live in Wisconsin, and enjoy working with spreadsheets and databases.
When did you start playing Crusaders of the Lost Idols and how did you discover the game?
I started playing COTLI in March of 2016 just looking for an on-line game through the Big Fish platform. I wasn’t sure I liked it at first because I didn’t understand the goal of the game. This was the first time I was exposed to the “idle” game genre. I played for a few hours, then left the game for a few weeks.

When I got a bit bored with other games, I came back to COTLI and was surprised to see the game picked up where I left off. I decided to continue playing and then started paying attention to the chat.
What is it about Crusaders of the Lost Idols that keeps you playing?
The chat was fairly quiet back then, but occasionally I’d see someone post a tip and, soon after, I started asking questions. The friendly chat and informative answers from other players is what kept me going. Once I understood the goals and started advancing in idol collecting, the game became a bit addictive. We, in the Big Fish chat, fondly call it “idol fever.” LOL
What was it that inspired you to create your spreadsheet?
Over several months of playing, I started keeping track of questions and answers, as well as learning tactics and strategies for making the most of the crusaders I had. That led me to start a spreadsheet so I could sift through all that information.
I noticed there seemed to be a pattern of questions that all newbies asked. As I became knowledgeable enough to start answering questions myself, I also kept track of those Q&A’s.
Pretty soon I had enough information for a dynamic spreadsheet that I thought might benefit other new players.

I did look into uploading it into the wiki, but wiki only accepts static tables. However, I found out that Googledocs did allow for multiple users (max 200) to share the spreadsheet, each with their own personal “view.” So that was a better option for players that want an interactive experience setting up their objectives and missions.
November 25 of 2016, I contacted Erika via “Help and Support” and told her of my desire to share the spreadsheet with others and obtain authorization or blessing to do so. To my delight, I was told to go ahead. I uploaded the spreadsheet and posted the link in the Big Fish chat.
A multi-platform player (she knows who she is and a shout out to her) also posted it in Kong and I had almost 100 views in the first 48 hours! Then the link appeared in the COTLI Twitter feed and the response blew me away and let me know that this is something that players were interested in viewing. Consequently, I started expanding it by adding tabs with more information.
*** Shout out to all the players in the Big Fish Chat, and Erika, who answered my COTLI questions! ***
What was the most time-consuming part of creating the spreadsheet?
The initial time spent on setting up the “Crusader Abilities & Tag Labels” tab and the on-going maintenance for new crusaders.
What kind of feedback have you had from other players who have used the spreadsheet?
I’ve received amazing feedback from the Big Fish chat players, which makes me feel grateful that others are getting benefit from what was once just a personal spreadsheet.

Do you have plans to make a new spreadsheet or resource for another part of the game?
One player had the idea to start a tab for legendaries, which got a lot of support from others. I said I’d do it only if I got info from others. I have received a lot of information from other players for that tab, another shout out to all of them. But the wiki also has legendary info uploaded now, so I will only finish out the level one info as I get around to editing it. It is an on-going editing process to maintain what's there.
I haven’t hit the maximum viewership yet (200 at a time) and I don’t need to duplicate all the other resources out there. I mostly wanted a spreadsheet that could sort and filter crusader information to be available on-line, along with event info, general info, tips, tactics, and strategies. However, if someone wanted to pay me to do more, well, I’d definitely consider that!
You can check out Zodi's COTLI Spreadsheet here. Zodi has included a guide to learn how to filter and perform keyword searches to get the most out of the spreadsheet.
If you'd like to be interviewed for the official Crusaders blog, email us at crusaders@codenameentertainment.com.

A little while ago we stumbled across a player called Menin Gate who had put in an enormous amount of time into Crusaders of the Lost Idols. At the time, Menin Gate had logged more than 8,000 hours of gameplay on Steam. For those who haven't already done the math, it equates to the game running for 343 days!
With that kind of record, we decided to reach out to Menin Gate for an interview to share his motivations with you all.
Menin Gate's 'alter ego' is Paul Winnell from Melbourne, Australia. This 45-year-old player hails from Port Phillip Bay, which he declares has the "whitest, cleanest, and softest sand on the Bay". Stop making us jealous, Paul!

Menin Gate and his family

When did you start playing Crusaders of the Lost Idols and how did you discover the game?
I started playing it the day it came out. I love idle/progressive type games and this one peaked my interest immediately.
You've been playing for more than 10,000 hours now. When did you realise you'd put in so much time? Also, was it a shock when you realised?
Well I’m actually closing in on 11,000 hours and still loving it. It was a shock, as the last game that had me so entranced was Battlefield 2, a completely different style of game.
Have you ever played another game for the same length of time?
Yes Battlefield 2 - and still miss it!
What is it about Crusaders of the Lost Idols that keeps you playing?
The updates. The developers have consistently delivered new updates, features and events to keep me interested; it's one of the few games on Steam that provides such regular updates.
What has been your favourite update or feature in Crusaders of the Lost Idols?
Crafting - it adds a whole new dimension for progression and how you can progress.
Who is your favourite Crusader and why?
Well it used to be Fire Phoenix, but now it’s The Exterminator (Terminator is one of my favorite movies)
What other games are you playing while Crusaders of the Lost Idols is running on your computer?
Lots, I have nearly 8,000 games on Steam, but I also play quite a bit of BF1 via Origin.
Do you play on the mobile app too?
Yes, on the way to work.
How do you keeping playing when you're on holiday or traveling?
I play on the mobile app. I also have a Microsoft Surface that runs the game very well!
What do your friends and family think about your addiction to Crusaders of the Lost Idols?
They don’t understand, I have four kids that all prefer to play CSGO - I tried and failed to get them playing!

If you'd like to be interviewed for the official Crusaders blog, email us at general@codenameentertainment.com.

Today we're letting you know that we are now accepting applications to update our existing Player Council for Bush Whacker 2!

The BW2 Player Council is a group of 8 to 14 Bush Whacker 2 players that represent various aspects of the game with the passion and knowledge to talk directly with us at Codename Entertainment.

We are looking for players who are willing and able to give us meaningful feedback on different areas of the game and their thoughts on potential upcoming features. We will hold quarterly meetings to talk with the BW2 Player Council members for these discussions.

As a part of the BW2 Player Council, you will be part of a team that helps keeps Bush Whacker 2 a continually exciting and enjoyable experience for all players.

Now for the details about what the being part of the BW2 Player Council entails. Please read carefully and thoroughly to see if this opportunity is right for you.

The Council will directly interact with Erika and Nick, the lead developer of BW2, via Skype for the quarterly meetings. As such, it is an absolute requirement that you are willing to install and work with us on Skype.

All BW2 Player Council members are required to sign Non-Disclosure Agreement forms.

BW2 Player Council members will be asked for at least a 12 month commitment to the community and the Council. We understand that real life comes up and things occur, but we’re seeking individuals who are in it for the long haul and want to be committed to this 100%.

While we greatly appreciate the time and feedback from Council members this is strictly a volunteer position.

This is for personal applications only. We will not be accepting nominations or applications on behalf of another player.

All participants must be 18 years or older.

The language of the BW2 Player Council will be English.

Player selection will be based on a variety of different factors.

Please put the word Nick in your application message somewhere, just to ensure us that you're actually reading these instructions.

BW2 Player Council members have to be okay with their character name and platform being published on our website and forums.

We expect there to be a large volume of applicants for this opportunity, and will read through all of them. Our goal is to pick out the players who best represent various gameplay styles in Bush Whacker 2.

If you have any questions, comments or concerns, please let us know on the forums. This is an exciting and very important time for Bush Whacker 2, and we hope you will be a part of it.

The cut off time for applications will be 11:59 PM Pacific Daylight Time Friday April 21st, 2017.

If you’re interested in being part of the BW2 Player Council then please send an email to Erika at community@codenameentertainment.com with the title of Bush Whacker 2 Council Application with the information requested below.

This is the third of our player interviews where we celebrate your fandom for Crusaders of the Lost Idols. This week we speak to Roku from California.

Introduce yourself to your fellow Crusaders!

Call me Roku. I live California.

When did you start playing Crusaders of the Lost Idols and on what platform?

I started playing it on Steam soon after the Steam release. I saw it in the clicker category and thought it looked interesting. It was!

Which is your favourite campaign, event, and Crusader?

My favorite campaign is Ready Player 2 due to all the game references. The Merci event is probably my favorite seasonal because of how ridiculous and silly it is. Finally, my favorite Crusader is the Hermit. He may be crazy but in a good way. I don't think he's washed-up at all!

Roku's favourite campaign: Ready Player Two.

What got you hooked on Crusaders of the Lost Idols?

It has a lot more strategy involved than other clickers. Player skill can go a long way, so it holds my attention more. Each new upgrade and Crusader often has me altering my formations to improve them as much as possible.

"It has a lot more strategy involved than other clickers."

What other games do you play?

Right now I'm playing Final Fantasy XIV, Persona 5, and Katamari Forever.

Roku is also playing Katamari Forever.

What is your all-time favourite game? (other than Crusaders, of course).

There are far, far too many to choose from. I don't even know where to begin.

"Invest in idol gain Talents such as Efficient Crusading"

What tips do you have for new Crusaders players?

It pays off to read what each Crusader upgrade does and think them over, especially Event Crusaders who tend to have at least one ability that seems much more complicated than the abilities of the starting Crusaders. Invest in idol gain skills such as Efficient Crusading when you can. They really pay off!

What advanced tips do you have for Crusaders players?

Everyone has their favorite Crusaders, but don't rest on your laurels too much. New Event Crusaders or even new gear or weekend buffs change the status quo all the time. A Crusader you might have found weak before may suddenly become a must-have. It pays to think things through whenever you get someone or something new. Even Crusaders and gear that might seem useless at first might have a hidden usefulness if you think outside the box.

Do you need some playing tips for Crusaders of the Lost Idols? Who better to ask than your fellow players. We've collated a whole bunch of suggestions from players just like you who have found what works best for them to beat the campaigns and events.
"Do nothing but Free Plays, until have have loads of Idols. Purchase Upgrade Them All, and Spend It All, as soon as you can. Maximize your Crusader Levels BEFORE you reset, and do so with a mobile device for 25% more Idols. When you get to 300, and if you need to, 'respec' your Talents and work towards maximizing Efficient Crusading; (Keeping the two Talents I've already mentioned), and then do so again, at 600, and put Idols into Deep Idol Scavenger. It might also help to work towards the DPS Talents, to get you to 300, and 600."

Pádraig Ó T

"After you get higher rates of idols, use Smash10101 talent calculator to make the wisest talent purchases to get stronger."

Gary D

"Save time warps for events. No matter how tempting it is, save it for the event. You want those sweet events chests, and you're going to need to do a lot of Free Play to get them."

Brooke B

"Reset your free plays when you hit your soft wall. i.e. When you are no longer able to easily level-up your Crusaders and monsters are no longer being insta-killed. Grinding is the enemy if your goal is to get more idols. NEVER blacklist a Crusader. As new Crusaders are released and added to your roster, you'll suddenly find yourself using Crusaders that you have never used before. RoboTurkey and Robbie Raccoon are two Crusaders that I thought I would never use however I have found they are at the core of most of my formations now.

Amanda K

"Don't use Larry, the Leprechaun in any missions with the center taken over! Use Detective instead!"

This is the second of our player interviews where we celebrate your fandom for Crusaders of the Lost Idols. This week we speak to Ben from Nebraska.

Introduce yourself to your fellow Crusaders!

Call me Ben. I live in semi-rural Nebraska, USA. I started playing Crusaders in the first week it was on Kongregate.

Which is your favourite campaign, event, and Crusader?

I don't really have a favorite campaign, but my favorite event may be A Nate Before Christmas (he's so easy to pick). My favorite Crusader is the Washed-up Hermit. I know, there's no reason to prefer him; Draco does better DPS, Bubba is a wonderful buffer (and gold earner), Larry is wonderful whether you're surrounding him or putting him off to the side to get his DPS boost but I rarely need to optimize, and I like having Draco available for missions, so the old coot is my first DPS Crusader almost every game. That's got to count for something.

Ben's favourite event: A Nate Before Christmas.

What got you hooked on Crusaders of the Lost Idols?

I came, I saw, I hung around. I guess you could say I enjoy the chat room chatter.

"Steam hates trying to predict what I'll enjoy."

What other games do you play?

Right now I mess around a little with Terraria, Halcyon 6 and Shadowrun Returns. Yeah, a building/exploration sim, a space strategy game, and a cyberpunk RPG. Steam hates trying to predict what I'll enjoy.

Ben's favourite game: Chrono Trigger.

What is your all-time favourite game? (other than Crusaders, of course).

My favorite game of all time? That's a pretty tough call, but I'll say Chrono Trigger.

"Keep an eye on what prerequisites and drawbacks"

What advanced tips do you have for all Crusaders players?

It seems obvious, but keep an eye on what prerequisites and drawbacks Crusaders have. You keep seeing people who think Emo is weak when Jim is standing next to him, or Draco is weak when over half the formation is non-royal humans (he hates commoners, people.) Also, you shouldn't be buying the Surplus Cooldown talent if you do not have any surplus cooldown either; it's a great talent later on, but it doesn't do anything when your horns and cornucopias only do 40% cooldown rate.

Summer is a lazy time of year where you get to slow down, reconnect with old friends and chill out. It's in that spirit that we're getting you to reconnect with your old friends in Crusaders. Namely some campaigns you'd love to revisit.
This week we're introducing four new objectives. There are two new additions to Mischief at Mugwarts and two new additions in Ready Player Two, most of which are on the harder side to encourage you just to kick-back and enjoy the long days playing Crusaders.

New Objective: Invisibility Cloak. Monsters are invisible!

In Invisibility Cloak monsters are invisible and won't take passive DPS until they're revealed: either when they attack your formation, or when they're clicked directly.
In the objective Fantastic Beasts, a new bumbling wizard takes up a slot in your formation and wreaks havoc with his inept summoning. Random monsters with different abilities assail the Crusaders throughout their entire trek to area 650.

New Objective: Fantastic Beasts. Invulneracorn can't be killed.

Boy and girl polkaman trainers take up slots in the objective Polkamans Go! Each area has a random polkaman creature that has to be caught before the Crusaders can continue. The polkaman can only be collected by actively clicking so you'll need to keep an eye out for these tricky creatures.

New Objective: Polkaman can only be collected by actively clicking.

The final new objective, Acme Dark Souls is the most devious and arcane of all the new challenges. The greatest magic conjurers have come together wielding their mastery of the dark arts to create the ultimate in evil sorcery, a giant anvil. Every 10 seconds an anvil will drop from the sky and kill a random Crusader.
To celebrate the new objectives we're going to give five lucky Crusaders mellow midsummer buffs to complement their formation abilities and DPS until Monday, August 29 at 12 pm PDT.
Hermit, Princess, Phoenix, Nate and Alan all get a limited time buff applied automatically this weekend. The buffs are:

Hermit - Base DPS +400%

Princess - DPS All + 100%

Phoenix - Heart of the Phoenix +200%

Nate - Gold Find +100%

Alan - Blinding Light +200%

Weekend Buff Crusaders.

Also, check out the limited-time Midsummer Jeweled Chests that contain equipment for the five Crusaders above! (Please note: The chest will only contain gear for Alan if you've unlocked him.)

Here are your Crusaders of the Lost Idols Player Council members! Over the next year, they will participate in quarterly meetings with us at Codename Entertainment to give us meaningful feedback on different areas of the game and their thoughts on potential upcoming features.

From Armor Games

Blight973 (new)

derTiberius (new)

Smash10101 (new)

From Facebook:

Lisa Gordon (returning)

Terri Kidd (returning)

Dylan Jay Smith (returning)

Susan Martin (new)

From Kongregate

Tola (returning)

Cih137 (returning)

SilskeofGH (returning)

Djinon (returning)

Vingummi (new)

From Steam

MarioVX (new)

roku750 (new)

We appreciate their willingness to join and their passion and knowledge of Crusaders of the Lost Idols.

We are now accepting applications to join the player council for Crusaders of the Lost Idols! It's almost been a year and Crusaders has undergone so many changes, we're looking for some new members to join the existing council and get their feedback on the game!

The Crusaders Player Council is a group of Crusaders players with the passion and knowledge about the game to talk directly with us at Codename Entertainment.

We are looking for players who are willing and able to give us meaningful feedback on different areas of the game and their thoughts on potential upcoming features.

As a part of the Crusaders Player Council, you will be part of a team that helps keeps Crusaders of the Lost Idols a continually exciting and enjoyable experience for all players.

Now for the details about what being part of the Crusaders Player Council entails. Please read carefully and thoroughly to see if this opportunity is right for you.

The Crusaders Player Council will directly interact with Erika and the dev team via Skype voice calls for the quarterly meetings. As such, it is an absolute requirement that you are willing to install and work with us on Skype.

All Crusaders Player Council members are required to sign Non-Disclosure Agreement forms.

Crusaders Player Council members will be asked for a 12 month commitment to the community and the Council. This includes 4 meetings via Skype and any emails or private forum posts. We understand that real life comes up and things occur, but we’re seeking individuals who are in it for the long haul and want to be committed to this 100%.

Meetings will be held during office hours in Pacific Time Zone.

While we greatly appreciate the time and feedback from Crusaders Player Council members this is strictly a volunteer position.

This is for personal applications only. We will not be accepting nominations or applications on behalf of another player.

All participants must be 18 years or older.

Player selection will be based on a variety of different criteria.

The language of the Crusaders Player Council will be English.

Please put the word "popcorn" in your application message somewhere, just to ensure us that you're actually reading these instructions.

Crusaders Player Council members have to be okay with their gaming name and gaming site being published on our website and forums.

We expect there to be a large volume of applications for this opportunity, and we will read through all of them. Our goal is to pick out the players who best represent various gameplay styles in Crusaders of the Lost Idols: from hardcore to casual, and all the other myriad ways people play this game.

If you have any questions, comments or concerns, please let us know on the forums. This is an exciting and very important time for Crusaders of the Lost Idols, and we hope you will be a part of it.

The cut off time for applications will be 12:00 PM Pacific Daylight Time Friday June 17th.

If you’re interested in being part of the Crusaders Player Council then please send an email to Erika at crusaderpcapplications@codenameentertainment.com with the title of Crusaders of the Lost Idols Council Application.